Did you know that the origins of Groundhog Day stem from a Catholic tradition? Or that the common pretzel was once a Lenten reward for the pious? Why Do Catholics Eat Fish on Friday is a fascinating guide to the roots of all-things-Catholic. This smart and concise guide will introduce readers to the hidden heritage in many commonplace things that make up contemporary life. The reader-friendly format and the illuminating entries will make this guide a perfect gift for Catholics and anyone who loves a bit of historic trivia. Table of Contents - Foreword * Time * Manners & Dining Etiquette * Food * Drink * Music & Theater * Sports & Games * Holidays & Festivities * Flowers & Plants * Insects, Animals, & More * American Places * International, National, & State Symbols * Clothes & Other Sundry Inventions * Education & Superstition * Art & Science * Law & Architecture * Epilogue: Words, Words, Words--Catholic, Anti-Catholic, and Post-Catholic

Grace D. MacKinnon doesn't make up the questions that run in her syndicated newspaper column. The questions are what her readers -- both Catholic and non-Catholic -- want to know. And she doesn't offer opinions in her answers. The answers are what the Church teaches and why the Church teaches it. Every response is reviewed and approved by a qualified Church theologian before being published. Now, for the first time, those honest questions and Grace's well-researched and well-documented answers are available in a single volume -- Dear Grace: Answers to Questions about the Faith. For every Catholic who has ever been troubled by questions (and that's all of us), here's some of the best advice you can find anywhere.

Get to know the beliefs and practices inspired by Jesus Christ Discover what it means to be a Christian and follow the gospel Curious about Christianity? This friendly guide helps you understand the basic teachings of the Christian faith, exploring the common ground that all Christians share, the differences among the major branches, the key events in Christian history, the key theological issues, and the many ways Christians live out their faith in today's world. The Dummies Way Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun Discover how to: Express the core essentials of Christianity Appreciate the life and teachings of Jesus Understand why the Bible is central to the faith Respect the unique roles of the Trinity Explore controversial issues among the branches

In the What Would Jesus Eat Cookbook, you'll discover an enormously effective'and delicious'way of eating based on Biblical principles. You'll find that you can lose weight, prevent disease, enjoy more balanced meals, and attain vibrant health by changing the way you eat. A companion to the bestselling What Would Jesus Eat?, this cookbook offers inspired ideas for good eating and good living. Modeled on Jesus' example, The What Would Jesus Eat Cookbook emphasizes whole foods that are low in fat, salt, and sugar and high in nutrients and satisfying flavor. This modern approach to an ancient way of eating offers a healthy alternative to today's fast food culture.

The inimitable, classic guide to the ageless heritage of Judaism, from Rabbi Hayim H. Donin, an incomparable teacher and interpreter of Jewish laws and practice. Embraced over many decades by hundreds of thousands of readers, To Be a Jew offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to traditional Jewish laws and customs as they apply to daily life in the contemporary world. In simple and powerful language, Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin presents the fundamentals of Judaism, including the laws and observances for the Sabbath, the dietary laws, family life, prayer at home and in the synagogue, the major and minor holidays, and the guiding principles and observances of life, such as birth, naming, circumcision, adoption and conversion, Bar-mitzvah, marriage, divorce, death, and mourning. Ideal for reference, reflection, and inspiration, To Be a Jew will by greatly valued by anyone who feels that knowing, understanding, and observing the laws and traditions of Judaism in daily life is the essence of what it means to be a Jew.